15 Free Art Shows You Should See in Phoenix This Week

It's another week of firsts and lasts on the metro Phoenix arts scene, as Bassim Al-Shaker holds the official grand opening for his new Babylon Gallery and Damian Jim presents his final exhibition at 1Spot Gallery before he leaves the Roosevelt Row art space.

But dozens of additional artists are showing works in local art spaces during September's Third Friday, so we've created this list to help you hit a great selection of September 16's art offerings.

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New Works by Damian Jim See new works by Navajo artist Damian Jim, whose 1Spot Gallery specializing in works by indigenous artists is closing after September Third Friday. The exhibition also includes older works, presenting a look at the diverse artistic landscapes Jim has explored in recent years. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the 1Spot Gallery Facebook page.

“ASU Photo Faculty Exhibition” Explore the newly renovated Northlight Gallery during this exhibition of works by six ASU faculty members who use diverse photographic techniques from daguerreotypes to digital as they explore reality in ways that prompt new reflections on “our relationship to place and to ourselves.” Hear brief talks by participating artists Julie Anand, Clare Benson, Binh Danh, Mark Klett, Bill Jenkins, and Stephen Marc during Third Friday’s opening reception, happening from 6 to 9 p.m. Get details on the Northlight Gallery Facebook page.

See works by Joseph Podlesnik at {9} The Gallery.

Joseph Podlesnik

“almost seeing”{9} The Gallery presents photographs by Joseph Podlesnik, who says he’s most intrigued by how he can use the camera to frame scenarios and compositions while communicating ideas through more formal design. While you’re there, check out works by Cindy Schnackel, whose “Fatal Farm” show is also opening this Friday. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the {9} The Gallery website.

“New Myths” Work by Rembrandt Quiballo was recently featured in an exhibition of art by Contemporary Forum grant winners at Phoenix Art Museum, and now several of his photographs are featured in an exhibition at monOrchid’s Bokeh Gallery. Quiballo appropriates images from mass media, then digitally manipulates them as he creates layers of transparency that reflect the instability of today’s constant media stream. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Find more information on the monOrchid website.

See work (shown here in detail) by Kari Wehrs in the phICA shipping container galleries.

Kari Wehrs

“Shot” Rhetorical Galleries is opening three new exhibitions in a trio of phICA shipping container galleries in Roosevelt Row, including “Shot” featuring works by Kari Wehrs – who decided to explore one aspect of gun culture by setting up her darkroom tent and tintype photography gear at target shooting sites in the Arizona desert. Other exhibits feature works by Ben Willis and Dani Godreau. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Get details on the Rhetorical Galleries Facebook page.

“Hello!” See works from seven artists newly represented by Bentley Gallery, which praises their art as beautiful, exquisitely crafted, and capable of changing the ways viewers experience spaces shared with art. Featured artists include Leopoldo Cuspinera Madrigal, Jake Fischer, Stephen Knapp, David Kuraoka, Tom Lieber, Michael Marlowe, and Uda Nöder. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the Bentley Gallery website.

See works by Alexandra Bowers (shown here at Shemer Art Center) at MADE Art Boutique.

Alexandra Bowers/Photo by Lynn Trimble

Alexandra Bowers There’s a space inside MADE Art Boutique called Mantle at MADE, where exhibits of works by local artists rotate monthly. See works by Alexandra Bowers, whose wood burning pieces often feature botanical and biological subjects, starting this Friday. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the MADE Art Boutique website.

“Coronado 2016” Once each year, The Hive celebrates the artists who share its historic Coronado neighborhood, which includes the mural hub Calle 16. See works by 20 artists, and enjoy live music, during this year’s exhibition – which includes works by Irma Sanchez, Michael Anderson, Kristi Kuhl, Ruben Gonzales, and Christine Cassano. Third Friday hours are 7 to 10 p.m. Get details on The Hive Facebook page.

New Works by Bassim Al-Shaker After coming from Baghdad to Phoenix for an international artist residency with ASU Art Museum, Bassim Al-Shaker decided to make the city his new home. Recently, he opened a studio and gallery space called Babylon Gallery, which holds its official grand opening this Friday. Gallery-goers will see new works by Al-Shaker, as well as his newly painted abstract mural. Third Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Learn more on the artist’s Facebook page.

“Hindsight” See works by Ellen Nemetz designed to view the past through the lens of the present. Nemetz’s work reflects her interest in “the human brain and how we become who we are,” and the role of memory in shaping unique identity. “To recall a memory is to change it,” Nemetz says. Eye Lounge opens her exhibition this Friday, during Third Friday hours that run from 6 to 10 p.m. Get details on the Eye Lounge Facebook page.

“If We Build It” ASU Step Gallery presents the graduate thesis exhibition for Kara Roschi, featuring the artist’s video documentation of a participatory performance inspired by the board domination game called Reversi – conceived by Roshi as a “last hurrah” to open urban spaces and the struggle for community authorship. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the ASU Events website.

See works by Mark Lammie at First Studio.

Mark Lammie

“The Cute, the Crazy, and the Abstract” Artists Mark Lammie, Kristine Brambilla, and Kris Kollasch are showing works that curator Kollasch calls playful and energetic. They’ll be on view at First Studio, home of an iconic Phoenix mural featuring a trio of characters from The Wallace & Ladmo Show. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Find more information on “The Cute, the Crazy, and the Abstract” Facebook page.

Work by Kevin Adams Paintings by Kevin Adams dot the red-brick walls inside The Lost Leaf, a local hub for art and music that presents rotating exhibitions of works by artists such as local muralist Tato Caraveo. This Friday, it's Jerusafunk’s turn to take over The Lost Leaf stage. Friday hours are always 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Get details on The Lost Leaf website.

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See photographs and artifacts of Arizona's punk rock history at Modified Arts.

Arthur Shane and Jamie Trujillo

“You Weren’t There”Modified Arts presents “You Weren’t There: Early Punk & New Wave in Phoenix,” an exhibition exploring the local punk scene during the 1970s to mid 1980s through photographs, videos, flyers, and other artifacts. It’s a chance to learn more about bands including the Consumers, Killer Pussy, Soylent Green, and Junior Achievement. Third Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Learn more on the Modified Arts Facebook page.

Works by James Angel Downtown Phoenix Artist Collective presents works by James Angel meant to explore a perpetual state of hope and despair amid an envisioned future never quite realized. See Angel’s works at The Clarendon Hotel, during Third Friday hours of 6 to 10 p.m. Find more information on the Downtown Artists Collective Facebook page.

Lynn Trimble is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer specializing in arts and culture, including visual and performing arts